Political divisiveness is the most critical contemporary issue facing the United States. In the aftermath of the 2016 election, 86% of Americans described the country as more politically divided than in the past, while just 12% say the country is no more divided. Perceived political divisions, according to data published in a 2016 poll by the Pew Research center, is the highest it has been since the question was first asked in 2004. This trend indicates that Americans from both major parties feel that they have increasingly less in common with their political opposition. This has led to the demonization of politicians and constituents of both parties in the press.

For American society to proceed and prosper, Americans need to find common ground. Every individual generally wants the same thing: the ability to survive and prosper without hinderance from the government or other citizens. Issues arise because constituent groups only cater to their own needs, and to the needs of others whose problems they understand.

A key example of this is the political debate over police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. Americans who are directly affected by police brutality have an understanding and an interest to vote for politicians who will represent them well in this respect. Americans who are not affected have an entirely different relationship with police, and will not understand the movement and will vote for and support movements that support their views and interests. This concept may seem evident, but it defines contemporary American political conflicts and prevents us from solving even simple issues effectively.

The only effective way to combat this is through political dialogue, and through conceding that every opponent has a valid perspective. The solution lies with the changes that we make, rather than in changing the other side’s opinion. Every strong opinion has some valid logic behind it. If you can understand your opponent’s perspective and the logic behind their decisions, it is much easier to provide a mutual solution or to provide an alternative.

Political good isn’t a battle to be right or to beat someone in an argument, but a battle to achieve the greatest good for everyone in the country. If we are to ever achieve the best solutions and to vote in a way that is best for everyone in the country, constituents must first be able to compromise and understand each other to elect a representative who represents the good of the country. Radical, uncompromising beliefs lead to the rise of radical politicians and political polarization. We must make these changes in how we act to create the change we want to see in our opponents and for the betterment of the country.